Those who would like to lose weight think they have to avoid chocolate temptations this Easter, but slimmers in Slimming World groups know there is no need to turn the Easter Bunny away.
In fact, Slimming World consultant Pauline Bliss, who hosts the groups in St Kieran’s Community Centre, Athlone, says members are encouraged to enjoy a little of what they fancy as part of the club’s healthy eating plan.
“We know Easter can seem like an extremely difficult time for people on strict diets trying to slim down in time for summer, as Easter eggs line the supermarket shelves, adverts for chocolate treats dominate TV screens and the smell of freshly-baked hot cross buns and cakes seems to fill every room,” Pauline stated.
“So often people think that losing weight means going hungry and giving up all of your favourite foods, but the truth is it is possible to still enjoy your favourite Easter treats as part of a healthy balanced diet, and start this summer looking and feeling great,” Sinead Morris, who hosts the group in The Shamrock Lodge, commented.
“Slimming World’s famous Food Optimising healthy eating plan allows slimmers to satisfy their appetite on filling, low-energy-dense foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, lean meat, poultry and fish. At Slimming World these foods are called ‘Free Foods’ because members can enjoy them freely to satisfy their appetite without having to weigh, count or measure,” Carol Doran Joyce, who hosts the groups in Kiltoom Parish Hall, said.
This is an exciting time to join Slimming World as they have an enticing Easter giveaway. Each member who joins a group until April 15 will pick up a FREE copy of the ‘Say Yes to Success’ recipe booklet, a 28-day plan of deliciously slimming breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Self-confessed chocoholic, Kerry Browne recently lost four and a half stone in her local Slimming World group.
“I used to think my love of chocolate meant I was destined to be overweight forever, but since joining Slimming World I can’t believe how much my life has changed. I’ve lost 4.5 stone and just got to my target weight a few weeks ago and I feel amazing. I’ve got so much more confidence and yes I still regularly enjoy chocolate too,” Kerry enthused.
To find details of your local Slimming World group, log onto www.slimmingworld.ie
Easter recipe
Chocolate, chilli and coffee mousse pots
The sophisticated flavours of chocolate, chilli and coffee with a dash of Cognac or brandy makes this a dessert to die for!
Serves - 6
Preparation time - 20 minutes plus chilling/freezing
Cooking time - none
125g dark chocolate
4 medium eggs, separated*
4 level tbsp sweetener
½ tsp dried red chilli flakes
2 tsp instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tbsp water
2 tbsp cognac or brandy
Fat free natural fromage frais to serve
1 level tsp cocoa powder to dust
Orange zest to decorate
*Pregnant women, the elderly and babies are advised not to eat raw or partially cooked eggs.
Method
Break the chocolate into small pieces, place in a large heatproof bowl and melt over a pan of gently simmering water.
Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly at room temperature.
Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until stiff but not too dry.
Whisk the egg yolks, sweetener, chilli flakes, instant coffee mixture and cognac or brandy in a separate bowl and spoon into the melted chocolate, mixing well.
Lightly fold in the egg whites with a metal spoon until well combined.
Spoon this mixture into six tea cups or dessert dishes and place in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until just set.
To serve, top each serving with a spoonful of fromage frais, lightly dust with cocoa powder and decorate with orange zest.
